The best way to save money on your honeymoon is by planning early. The same preparation that is going into your wedding is necessary here as well. You can avoid paying full price by planning ahead.
While creativity and flexibility are the solutions to an economical honeymoon, setting your priorities early will keep you on track. Remember, you don't want to return from your honeymoon in debt. Your plans must be cost effective!
Here are 7 ideas to help you plan a cost effective yet romantic honeymoon.
1. Select a professional.
First of all, you shouldn’t have to pay for any service an agent supplies. Sure, you may have used an online website in the past, but you certainly won’t be able to speak one-on-one with someone should you have any questions. And for this jaunt, you will probably have a lot of those questions.
Also, an agent can save you money, because they have more connections than you do in the industry—hotels, cruise lines, resorts, etc.—and they often know best time to book or when a discount or sale is being announced.
Select someone who specializes in the kind of honeymoon you are after. And be honest. This connection has probably come as a recommendation from a relative, friend or co-worker, so trust should come easier than a total stranger. You have to be up front about your goals.
2. Make your deposits as early as possible.
Of course, you need some sound information before you can place a deposit. But the earlier you book the better the selection of rooms you will have. Airfare also rises closer to your departure date.
So many couples start the process before they are prepared to place a deposit—which really doesn’t help you. Rates change in the travel industry so frequently that it just causes double work for the agent. Unless you are ready to book, whatever discount or deal that is quoted, maybe forfeit when you do have deposit funds ready.
Remember, hotels don’t usually charge at booking. They may need your credit card number for the reservation but you can cancel without penalty if your plans change up to 48 hours before your arrival.
Cruise lines and resorts usually take a deposit, which is fully refundable within 90 to 130 days of your date of arrival/departure. Most deposits are about 5 to 10% of the total costs.
Air reservations usually require full payment and will also charge for changes you may make.
3. Think about an all-inclusive cruise or tour.
This is a way to ensure that you have all costs covered before you leave. Most of these offer room, all meals, at least some beverages, some activities, entertainment, and taxes. Some also can include tips and transfers.
If you are considering this option, now is truly the time to ask questions. You need to make sure that you are getting everything you think you are receiving. But beware, unless you are really willing to splurge on this trip, your all-inclusive will not include Dom Perignon and hot stone massages daily. After all, what economical package could offer that?
4. Look at other airports.
You may try alternative airports that could really be better for you. The best rates aren’t always from the major airports. Hudson Valley residents should check on rates from White Plains, Stewart and Albany, for example. Downstate could try Islip instead of LaGuardia. You may also even be closer to your home than by going to one of the major airports.
Most of the smaller airports have non-stop flights to major US cities and if your destination isn’t one of those, you can surely connect to the world from there. Just make sure that you are still getting a savings from the smaller airport.
5. Book small but experience large.
Oftentimes you can book the most inexpensive room at a fabulous resort, still have the fantastic food and spectacular amenities afforded to the swankiest suites but pay much, much less (this will not work at an inexpensive resort).
But by paying slightly more than you would on an economical place, you automatically receive luxuries as normal fare. An inside cabin on a premium or luxury cruise line, such as Celebrity or Oceania, will give you the opportunity to picnic on Celebrity’s top deck natural lawn or to get two for one pricing along with free airfare on Oceania.
But select your cabin wisely; forget about forward or aft placement. Both areas usually offer suite accommodations only. My recommendation is not to be positioned near the theater entrance/exit or directly under the dance club. In a hotel, you don’t want to face the pool area. Late night partying often occurs there and it could be bothersome if you have early morning plans.
Remember, once you are on the ship or encamped in the resort, you will have access to all the amenities offered there. You may pay more than the most inexpensive cabin on the most inexpensive cruise line available but think of the trade off.
6. Go off-season.
If you are taking a honeymoon immediately after your wedding, choose a destination or cruise itinerary whose off- or shoulder-season match your travel dates not only for price breaks but less crowds, too. Again, off- or shoulder-season is the time right before and after high season.
Now, off- or shoulder-season doesn’t necessarily mean you are in for bad weather. Caribbean islands boast idyllic weather year round. But because of their proximity to the East Coast between January and April, when winter is at its worst, rates increase at that time—this does not occur on cruise lines, though. So planning to honeymoon in the Caribbean at that time is going to be more expensive.
On the contrary, going there between May and December—off-season—will afford you a savings. Now with some destinations, that is not the case (cruise lines are generally more expensive in mid-summer). So be sure to confirm weather expectations with your agent before booking.
7. Don’t be meek.
After discussing all of your options, ask your agent for recommendations. If you know what you want but really can’t foot the bill after the wedding, ask your professional how to get what you really want. Don’t accept the first offer received. Ask and ask again!
Sometimes a non-refundable deposit can be the basis for a lower rate. In that case, easily obtained and cost effective travel insurance should be purchased to cover unforeseen issues. But be prepared to accept your professional’s wisdom and book it.
Asking for ideas may mean putting off your honeymoon for six months or opting for a smaller room. Or maybe it means choosing a related resort that has reciprocal arrangements with your number one selection. But here is where your professional’s expertise really can help you. So take advantage of their experience and be flexible.
Whether you long to ski in Aspen or dive in the Caribbean, stroll through the galleries in Paris or enjoy jazz in New Orleans the opportunities to connect with your new spouse are infinite with careful planning.
If your budget is coming up short, don’t sweat it. You can take your honeymoon on your first anniversary. Don’t let funds stand in your way. You can start saving for your honeymoon the week after your nuptials. Then go for it!
photo sources: travel agency, airplane, pool, honeymoon
Emma McKnight is a travel agent specializing in cruise vacatioons. View her website at: www.CruiseWithEmma.com or contact her at: emcknightr@cruisesinc.com.